Riff Tone

Purgatory (2015 Remaster)

Iron Maiden

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson SG Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup

AmpMarshall Super Lead 1959 (non-master volume head, likely with 4x12 cabinet)

PickupsHumbuckers (likely Gibson PAF-style, 3-pickup configuration)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass4.5

mid6

treble7

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

No effects used for this tone

Notes

Studio recording, 1981 (Killers album, 2015 remaster); Dave Murray's main guitar for this era and song. No evidence of live/touring substitutions or alternate guitars for this riff section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive pick attackcrisp and articulate highspunchy midrangefocused low end (not boomy)fast note definitionclassic British metal crunchdry, unprocessed soundno audible reverb or delayhigh-output, saturated rhythm

Difficulty

The riff is played at a very fast tempo with relentless alternate picking and palm muting, requiring advanced right-hand technique and tight left-hand synchronization. The speed and precision needed make it challenging for most players.

Sources

Iron Maiden – Killers (2015 Remaster) - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | Equipboard Amp Settings for 2 Minutes to Midnight by Iron Maiden (guitars and tone) - Guitar Chalk

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